Section 132
The Prophet explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A sat in the market-place and told the fortunes of all who cared to engage his services. Suddenly there came running up one who told him that his house had been broken into by thieves, and that they had made off with everything they could lay hands on. He was up in a moment, and rushed off,...
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
A sat in the market-place and told the fortunes of all who
cared to engage his services. Suddenly there came running up one who
told him that his house had been broken into by thieves, and that they
had made off with everything they could lay hands on. He was up in a
moment, and rushed off, tearing his hair and calling down curses on
the miscreants. The bystanders were much amused, and one of them said,
"Our friend professes to know what is going to happen to others,
but it seems he's not clever enough to perceive what's in store for
himself."
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A prophet who claims to read the future cannot foresee trouble at his own house.
Why this scene matters
This fable questions people who claim special knowledge but miss obvious personal realities.
Characters in this scene
- Prophet: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A prophet tells others their fate. When his own home is robbed, people ask why he did not predict that.